Islamabad September 20 2024: In August 2024, Pakistan generated a total of 13,180 GWh of electricity, which represents a 11.4% decrease from July 2024 and a 17.4% decline compared to August 2023, according to data released by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority.
This drop can be attributed to the decline in demand due to record high electricity prices, influx of cheaper solar panels and stagnant income levels.
Hydroelectric power continues to dominate the energy mix, contributing 5,362 GWh in August 2024, a slight increase of 0.4% from the previous month. However, on a yearly basis, this reflects a significant decline of 10.7%. Cumulatively for the first two months of FY24, hydel power generated 11,427 GWh, a 4.8% reduction compared to the same period in FY23.
Electricity generation from coal stood at 1,987 GWh in August 2024, down 24.8% from July 2024 and 15.7% lower than August 2023. The data shows a sharp split between local and imported coal usage. Local coal contributed 1,306 GWh, while imported coal dropped significantly to 681 GWh, a steep MoM reduction of 40.1%.
Gas generation fell by 19.5% MoM to 950 GWh, and it also saw a YoY decline of 21.7%. RLNG, a critical source, contributed 2,106 GWh, down 29.2% compared to August 2023, but showing stronger cumulative generation in FY24.
Electricity cost on RLNG increases by 9% pecent during the month of August on YoY basis while that on gas only up by 1% YoY.
RFO based generation fell by 99% YoY to 6 GWh as the generation cost recorded at PKR 30.31 down by 9% YoY still higher among all sources.
Nuclear energy output increased slightly by 0.1% MoM, reaching 2,190 GWh in August 2024, representing a solid YoY growth of 10.2%. Nuclear remains a growing contributor to Pakistan’s energy mix, with 4,415 GWh generated in the first two months of FY24.
Wind energy generation also declined sharply by 10.6% MoM and 50.6% YoY, producing 398 GWh in August 2024. Solar power saw a 16.7% YoY increase, indicating growth potential in renewable sources, despite short-term fluctuations.
